What are Implant Supported Bridges Made of?
Before we can discuss the materials used in implant supported bridges, we first need to talk about what they are. An implant supported bridge is a specific type of tooth replacement used by dentists that combines the traditional multitooth restoration of a dental bridge with that of the surgical dental implant. The dentist can place a post below the gums into the jaw bone where it will heal and fuse with the bone to form a strong and secure base. Traditional dental bridges are attached to the remaining teeth in your mouth with crowns. Implant supported bridges use the implant to secure the multitooth restoration in place. Dental implants offer a more natural looking result with functionality that is almost as good as your natural teeth. The implant supported bridge will replace your missing teeth and not add any strain or damage to your remaining teeth.
An implant supported is composed of multiple pieces. The implanted post itself is almost always composed of titanium, like most joint replacements. In some cases, you may be able to have a zirconium implant. Titanium and zirconium are able to fuse with bone or osseointegrate as they heal in place. A small percentage of people may be allergic to the metals used in the titanium post and prefer the nonreactive material of the zirconium implant. Still other people may prefer to have the natural looking zirconium as opposed to the dark metal color of titanium.
Then there is the abutment. This piece is how the crown or bridge attaches to the implanted post. The abutment is placed above the gums and can be made of a few different materials. Depending on the location of your implant, you may prefer the more natural looking zirconium or porcelain or you may prefer the strength of titanium. Still other people prefer the look or functionality of gold compared to zirconium and titanium. The abutment is typically attached to the implant with a screw.
The final part is the part above your gums that looks like your teeth. If you are doing individual implants, you will have one crown attached to one implant through the abutment. If you are doing an implant supported bridge, then the bridge will be attached to the abutment. The crown or bridge will be made from a tooth-colored ceramic, porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin. The crown or bridge will be attached to the abutment with dental cement or a screw. If the dentist does use a screw, then the screw is often covered with a tooth-colored composite filler to give you the most natural looking results. Some people prefer a gold crown or bridge for the aesthetic of the gold offset by the white teeth on either side.
It is important to talk to the dentist about your desired results from your dental implant before you start the process. Are you more concerned with a seamless result leaving people unsure which is your dental implant and which is your natural tooth? Are you more concerned about the functionality of the dental restoration? Be sure to be certain of what you want so the dentist can work with your vision and budget to get you the best looking smile when its complete.